Exhaust kit for LS/4L80E A-Body

[Barrrf]

Has anyone purchased a complete kit with an X-pipe for a 68-72 Chevelle that needed little to no mods for it to fit right?

Ive got long tubes and a 4l80e. The 80E slides the cross member back quite a bit so the X needs to occur further toward the rear of the car than it normally would. Most kits Ive seen have tubes that are too short from the header to the X pipe.

Before you say "take it to a shop" there arent any around there that can mandrel bend 3". Its all crush bent and most cant even do that in 3". So the best thing for me would be to get a complete kit.

[andrewb70]

Have you looked at the Hooker systems?

https://www.holley.com/products/engine_swap_parts/ls_swap_systems/1968-72_gm_a-body_ls_swap_components/exhaust_systems/

[Barrrf]

I just saw it. Just looking at it it appears though that those intermediate pipes from the header to the x connection look too short for an 80E Xmember.

I did call and ask for dimensions. This is better than just asking if it works or not. I usually get "Yeah it works fine!" then I have to return it because it indeed didnt work at all.

[andrewb70]

Their exhaust is made to work with their mounts, headers, and transmission cross member. So depending on what you're using, your mileage may vary.

Andrew

[Barrrf]

I see it. What you did there.

Im using their Xmember but not their headers or mounts. Dimensions are bestest.

[Toddoky]

The components and bend geometry of the Hooker Blackheart A-body exhaust systems are configured to be compatible with a 4L80/4L85 transmission and were prototyped with the entire Hooker Blackheart A-body swap system and a 4L80 installed in the car to ensure that. Here's a photo of the placement of the X crossover on the 1968-72 El Camino/wagon application, which places the transmission crossmember and X crossover in the exact same fore/aft location as the standard A-body exhaust system. The transmission shown is a T56, but the 4L80 only slightly changes the fore/aft position of the crossmember from where it's at here with the T56.159171

[Barrrf]

I appreciate the reply and all but it doesnt help with my question since Im not using hooker headers or mounts. Something seems off about that pic, perhaps is perspective. But the exhaust headers seem to terminate at the same spot under the car so the tubes that go from the header to the x pipe connection appear to be the same length. Looking at the headers on the hooker website that appear be the same length and not cut to compensate for the offset in exhaust ports. This true?

[Toddoky]

I don't know what specific part number/image you are looking at on the website, but I can confirm that the collectors do terminate in the same fore/aft location on both sides. This images depicts that a little more clearly than the first one I posted.159172

[Barrrf]

Cool. Now I just need the length of those tubes to the bend.

[1sikride]

I have hooker black heart headers
And exhaust kit. Slapped right in.
Sounds good

Big bucks tho

[Toddoky]

I measured the inlet tube length for you this morning, it's 18" from the inlet end of the tubes to the bend.

[Barrrf]

I measured the inlet tube length for you this morning, it's 18" from the inlet end of the tubes to the bend.

Fantastic! Thank you!!

Now if anyone else has used any other kits and has feedback itd be much appreciated.

[csouth]

I measured the inlet tube length for you this morning, it's 18" from the inlet end of the tubes to the bend.

You wouldn't happen to have any pic's of the mid length headers with intermediate pipes installed would you? I have the 1 7/8" im looking to install those and the intermediate pipes seem to have weird bends. I was looking at the BlackHeart too, but doesn't seem it will connect like the instructions say it will to those pipes.

[Toddoky]

Sure...159280

[csouth]

Sure...159280

Thank you... I could not for the life me picture that in my mind.

[csouth]

Bart,

I purchased the 3" system after this post and I have since installed it. I do not have Hooker mounts or crossmember, but I do have their midlength headers. The fitment is spot on, I installed it in 2 evenings after work. The only tight spot for me is around the rear coilover, but not their fault as I gather this system was designed on factory suspension. 2.5" system would have give me more room. If I had to purchase again I would make the same decision. I tried the Magnaflow 3" before and this is like night and day

[Toddoky]

Post up a pic or two of that system on your car csouth, I'm certain anyone who comes across this thread will find it beneficial.

[csouth]

Post up a pic or two of that system on your car csouth, I'm certain anyone who comes across this thread will find it beneficial.

I'll get a few. Probably not as clear as people would like since I don't have a lift.

[csouth]

Here are a couple pics..

Using G Force 4L80E crossmember with at T56 magnum. Dirty Dingo mounts and Autokraft Pan. Holley 1 7/8" Mid Length headers and intermediate pipes. Pics make the orientation seem off, but its close to centered. I also thought about changing the X-Pipe to intermediate pipe connections to see if that makes any difference.

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Rear axle and tank clearance were great

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Not sure why the coilover pics changed orientation. I will need to figure out what to do for coilover clearance issue.

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